Sexually Transmitted Disease and Mental Illnesses : Understandings and Implications

Abstract

Both sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and mental illnesses are important public health concerns. Both mental illnesses and STDs have high burden of care and they produce significant impairment in life. When these entities exist together, morbidity and consequently the cost of care multiply several times. Mental illness increases the risk of STD. Patients with STDs also have higher risks to develop mental illnesses. Considering the public health significance, it is important to understand the association of STDs and mental illness, so that appropriate preventive as well as remedial measures can be taken.